Guidewire jumps on annual forecast raise, upbeat results

** Insurance software seller Guidewire shares GWRE rise 16.36% to $247.81 after upbeat FY26 rev forecast, Q4 results beat

** At current levels, stock set to open at more than two-month high

** J.P.Morgan raises PT on stock to $300 from $288, citing greater market share gains for its platform in the direct written premium market

** Oppenheimer raises PT to $300 from $275, says stock is top small- and mid-cap pick on "strong cloud execution, AI beneficiary, and best mix of offensive/defensive characteristics"

** Needham says co had "another impressive performance" this quarter, however stretched valuation keeps it on "hold" rating

** Stock's 12-month forward valuation inclusive of equity and debt is trading 12.5x times sales, higher than industry median of 2.58x - compiled by LSEG

** 11 of 15 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, three "hold" and one "sell" or lower; their median PT is $260.68 - compiled by LSEG

** Up to last close, stock had risen 29% YTD